Martin Collishaw - Equine Infrared · 2020. 5. 28. · Equine Infrared Sales Brochure 2014 3 Equine Science Update Thermography predicts injuries Thermography provides an excellent

Progex Equine Infrared, 58 Carr Lane, Willerby, East Yorkshire, HU10 6JW.

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Martin Collishaw

Equine Thermography

Equine Infrared Sales Brochure 2014

2 www.equineinfrared.co.uk

Equine Thermography

Infrared Thermography is a non-invasive monitoring tool that uses the very latest Infrared

imaging equipment and computer software to detect small differences in the horse’s thermal

condition and allows us to quickly and efficiently identify abnormal thermal patterns that may

be related to injury or disease. By identifying abnormal patterns, often before other clinical

signs are apparent, investigation can be instigated at an earlier stage. Early identification of

injury or disease may prevent development of more severe conditions, and also allow

monitoring of horses during the recovery process. Infrared Thermography also offers the trainer

or rider the opportunity to monitor the effects of training before, during and after competition.

Previous research in human and equine fields has demonstrated that many injuries and

physical conditions can be accurately detected using Infrared Thermography, even before

any physical signs and symptoms are visibly apparent. Feeling the horse’s legs for signs of heat

is universal, however the hand can only detect heat where there is a 3-4° difference in

temperature from what is considered to be normal and by this stage the damage is more

severe. Because Thermography measures minute changes in the thermal and neural

conditions it allows for the vet to be called earlier to diagnose problems therefore preventing

serious injury trauma and stress to the animal. Infrared Thermography also provides a unique

way to monitor a horse’s recovery from intense activity, injury and illness.

Recent improvements in Infrared camera technology and supporting software have now

enabled us to further investigate potential uses and applications in equine monitoring.

Our objective in this study is to establish normal thermal patterns in hoses under controlled

conditions and the effects of environment on those patterns using the latest technology. This

will then allow us to identify what is abnormal, and therefore requires veterinary assessment or

investigation. This gives the rider, trainer, owner and vets the opportunity to take the necessary

action.

Unlike radiography and scintigraphy, Infrared Thermographic Imaging does not involve

radiation or radioactive materials and is therefore perfectly safe for the horse and the handler.

In most cases the results of Thermographs can be provided instantly to enable vets, owners

and riders to make prompt decisions on appropriate treatment.



Equine Science Update

Thermography predicts injuries

Thermography provides an excellent means of screening racehorses for early signs of injury,

according to recent research in the USA.

Thermography gives a visual representation of the surface temperature of an object. Recent

technological advances have made it a more reliable and convenient imaging technique.

Over the past few years thermal imaging cameras have been specifically developed for use

in horses. Consequently the use of the technique in horses has become increasingly popular.

Dr Tracy Turner, of the University of Minnesota, describes a two-year study, conducted with

colleagues Jennifer Pansch and Julie Wilson. "We wanted to show that the technique could

provide meaningful results in a practical situation." says Turner. "We also wanted to find out

how well the thermographic findings agreed with the trainers` concerns and with the vets`

findings."

During the first year of the study they carried out 225 exams on 45 horses from 7 different

trainers. Examinations were performed weekly for ten weeks. They recorded 20 standard

images for each horse, which they then analysed to identify abnormalities. Then they

compared their findings with the veterinary record of each horse.

The thermographic findings correlated well with the trainers concerns. In 79 of the 225 exams

the trainer had specific concerns about the horse. The area of concern coincided with the

area highlighted by the thermography in 82% of cases.

Twenty-three of the 45 horses had to be examined by a vet for lameness problems. In all but

one case the thermography findings agreed with the vet’s findings. The exception was a case

of exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying up).

Nine horses had to stop training because of injury. Three had chip fractures in the knee and

one a chip fracture of the fetlock joint. Two had tendinitis. Three horses had soreness affecting

more than one bone or joint. In each of these horses, thermography detected the area

concerned at least two weeks before the injury was diagnosed.

In the second year of the study they carried out 461 thermal studies on 50 horses from 10

different trainers.

Trainers had specific concerns in 127 of 461 horses. Not only did thermography correctly

identify the site of the problem in 95 % of those cases, it did so 2-3 weeks before the trainer

became concerned. So, using this technique it was possible to alert the trainer to potential

problems.

Twenty of the 50 horses underwent veterinary examination for lameness. Thermography

correctly predicted the site of injury in nineteen cases (95%). Obvious changes in

thermographic pattern were invariably associated with significant problems (bone chips, stress

fractures, and tendinitis.)

Nine horses had an abnormal thermal scan of the tendons; eight later developed tendinitis.

The thermogram revealed abnormalities in the fetlock of twenty nine horses; fifteen later

developed problems at the fetlock. Of fifteen horses with suspicious scans of the knee, ten

developed problems. In contrast, forty-one horses had abnormal thermograms of the hock but

only nine developed problems in that area.



The number of horses showing abnormal back muscle thermography patterns remained fairly

constant throughout the year with the exception of two peaks. These changes coincided both

with a recent reworking of the track and coincided with increased complaints of horses not

working well.

Turner points out that, as with any other imaging modality, thermography takes experience to

interpret. For example, the lame leg may actually appear colder because of transfer of the

load to the good leg. He stresses the benefit of repeated exams to detect subtle changes. It’s

not so much "hot spots" as change in thermal pattern that causes concern.

Several factors influenced the results. The level of work definitely affected the appearance of

abnormalities. "Chronic, rested cases are the most difficult to see anything in. I will get them to

ride the horse first before I examine It." says Turner. "Maximal exercise was a problem. We found

that we couldn’t examine them within two hours. The feet remained hot for 24 hours after a

gallop."

"We also learned that liniments and icing did not affect the detection of signs - provided that

the horse had both legs treated in the same way.

“What about bandaging artifacts?” As long as both legs were bandaged, you could see

through the changes" he adds. "If both legs are bandaged we take them off and scan straight

away and read through the changes. Over time as we built up the trainers trust in the

technique, they removed bandages for 2 hours before - which made the changes much

easier to read."

“I use the technique on a daily basis in my clinical work" reports Turner. "Thermography is ten

times more sensitive than my hands at detecting changes. I use it at the end of my physical

exam - so that I have stressed it as much as I can to accentuate the changes. It doesn’t tell

you what is going on. It tells you where to go and look more closely."

He found that trainers readily accepted the technique for what it is, a tool to better manage

the horse through the season.

He concludes that "This provides an excellent method for screening racehorses and detecting

injuries before they become clinically apparent. So it should be useful in assessing and

screening other sport horses during training."

For more details see: Thermographic assessment of racing Thoroughbreds. TA Turner J Pansch

J Wilson. Proc Conference on Equine Sports Medicine and Science 2002 p207

© Copyright Equine Science Update 2002-2006



Horses in Colour: The role of Thermal Imaging in the

Equine industry

Joanna Robson, DVM, CVSMT, CMP, CVA, SFT

Inspiritus Equine, Inc. Napa, CA 94558

www.InspiritusEquine.com

Abstract

Thermal imaging isn’t new to the horse world, though it’s finding its renaissance in today’s

performance-charged equine industry. As thermal camera technology has improved, and

standardization in equine imaging is introduced, this diagnostic tool is finding its niche in equine

veterinary practice and the horse industry as a whole. Thermal imaging is helping to identify

and pinpoint hidden injuries and inflammation, aids in saddle-fitting, may prevent breakdowns

and determine whether a horse is ready to compete, provides insight during pre-purchase

examinations, and also benefits farriers and general practitioners. With trained technicians and

veterinary interpretation, thermal imaging is finally taking its deserved place among traditional

radiography and ultrasound as a useful, non-invasive, diagnostic modality. Thermal imaging

provides a whole new vision of equine health.

Introduction

Thermal imaging was introduced to the equine industry in the 1960s, primarily as a screening

tool for racetracks and performance horses. However, due to expensive and rudimentary

cameras, little knowledge of correct imaging technique, and a lack of understanding how to

correctly interpret the images, the technology soon fell out of favour both with veterinarians

and human medical professionals. In the 1980s, however, the U.S. courts accepted

thermography as documented evidence of pain1. And while the American Academy of

Orthopaedic Surgeons released an advisory statement in 1991 stating that: "A review of the

literature indicates a lack of specificity, reliability, and reproducibility for this technique2, “the

use of thermography steadily continues to increase in human screening for cancer, work-

related injuries, and other physiologic processes. The use of thermal imaging is also increasing

in the equine industry. So what has changed?

The Industry

The equine industry has undergone a major transformation over the past three decades. Now

a multi-billion dollar industry with huge financial stakes both in and out of the barn, there is

great demand for the latest and greatest in diagnostic equipment. There is also a more

significant emphasis on alternative medicine and non-invasive modalities.

Horse owners and trainers are well educated, and many expect the same quality of care for

their animals that they would for their own human family members. “At the 1996 Olympic

Games in Atlanta, where there was millions of dollars’ worth of equipment available to the

equestrian teams, the most-requested diagnostic tool was thermography. It was fast. It was

portable. It was non-invasive. It could detect injury sites before they became lameness

problems, and could guide practitioners to specific anatomic areas for study using other

diagnostic techniques. And it was extremely accurate when used by an experienced

1 Strickland, C. Thermography: A hot images and a hot topic. The Horse, Oct 2001, 853. 2 Ibid

http://www.inspiritusequine.com/



practitioner.”3 The demand for thermal imaging has boomed with the industry’s economic

surge.

There are an estimated 9.2 million horses in the United States4. The equine industry directly

produces an average of 40 billion dollars annually, with the average GNP for the equine

industry at 112 billion dollars or more5. Consider that in addition to the buying and selling of

horses, the equine industry also encompasses training and boarding, trucks and trailers,

competition revenue and sponsorships, entertainment, tack and equipment, feed, bedding,

supplies, veterinary and dental care, alternative medicine modalities (acupuncture,

chiropractic, bodywork, laser), farriery, and more.

The average horse owner is a middle-aged Caucasian female, with an annual income of

$36,000-$60,000 per year (range by state)6. Purchasing a horse may be free (adopting rescues)

to millions of dollars (racehorse yearlings and proven performers). After the initial purchase, a

horse owner may spend upwards of $10,000-$30,000 per year to house, feed, train, and

compete or ride her horse7. The National Horse Council provides statistics on horse population

and ownership. Currently, the largest horse populations by state are Texas, California, Florida

and Kentucky, with other Midwestern states on the rise8. There are many different disciplines

within the horse world. Dressage, show jumping, reining, cutting, polo, racing, endurance,

roping, barrels, and halter are only a few examples of the many different equine sports world-

wide. The Federation Equestre Internationale is the international governing body for all horse

sport, and there are many national organizations divided by breed or discipline, as well as

pony club and therapeutic riding programs.

Equine Health

In this high-stakes financially and emotionally charged equine world, protecting and caring for

our equine companions is of utmost importance. The field of equine sports medicine is rapidly

expanding with new advances in injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In order to

understand the ever-increasing role of thermal imaging in equine health, we must first examine

the types of injuries we encounter in horses, and how they occur.

The horse is a prey animal, and though the small 3-toed prehistoric creature has evolved into

the single-hoofed animal we know today, the flight response hasn’t much evolved. “Horses

have a very well-developed “fight or flight” mechanism and when anything happens to startle

them, they often react first and think later. If they get caught in something such as a fence or

barn wall, their first instinct is to leave; often without regard to whatever body part happens to

be caught at the time. Therefore, horses have a well-deserved reputation as being accident-

prone9.” We have domesticated horses through the millenia for food and milk, packing,

fighting wars, and transportation. But today’s horse is predominantly used for sport and

recreation, with heavy emphasis on churning out prospects and starting them at younger

ages, making them more readily available for the sale barns. These animals that are designed

to be moving and grazing constantly, now find themselves limited to our artificial environment

of a 10’x10’ box stall, twice daily feeding, and limited daily exercise. Horses, through flighty

instinct, boredom, extreme size, great energy, increasing sports demand, and often fragile

genetics, will injure themselves – it is only a question of when and how badly.

3 Brown, K. Thermography: Diagnosis tool for horses. The Horse, Oct 2001, 490. 4 National economic impact of the US horse industry, www.horsecouncil.org 5 Equine nutrition and health. www.alltech.com 6 www.horsecouncil.org 7 Ibid 8 Ibid 9 ACVS General Wound Management www.acvs.org



Equine injuries could be subdivided into: accidental, human-induced, and physiologic or

naturally occurring. Accidental injuries would include lacerations and scrapes, broken bones

and soft-tissue injuries that occur as a result of a horse playing, falling or slipping, encountering

sharp objects (broken fencing, nails, etc.), trailer traumas, or being kicked or injured by another

horse. Human-induced problems include all those that are caused by our intentional or

unintentional ignorance. For example, the soring of gaited horses (intentional application of a

caustic substance to exaggerate a desired movement), ill-fitting tack and saddles, poor

trimming and shoeing, imbalanced or forceful riding, and failure to recognize signs of early

lameness that results in more significant disease and injury. Physiologic or naturally occurring

diseases are those such as arthritis or kissing spine, laminitis (inflammation of the hooves), age-

related changes (hormonal), cancer, or infections (EPM, EHV-1). These categories are often

overlapping. Man’s forceful riding on uneven ground will lead to tendon and ligament tears,

or early arthritis. Man’s racing of a young horse with an undiagnosed hairline fracture, may

result in a fatal “accidental” breakdown.

Some specific major common diseases or pathologies resulting in decreased performance,

lengthy rehabilitation, or retirement include:

List A

Suspensory ligament tears

Tendon tears

Sacroiliac problems

Arthritis

Muscle pulls, tears, strains, avulsions

Damage from ill-fitting saddles and tack, imbalanced riders

Kissing spine, other primary spinal lesions

Fractures

Cervical problems

Nerve damage

Circulatory problems

Infection/abscess

Hoof problems – ringbone, laminitis, imbalanced hooves

This list is important, as each of these problems causes circulatory or inflammatory changes

that can be detected with a thermal imaging camera!

With the significant amount of time and money invested in the performance horse, any one of

the above conditions can be catastrophic for both the owner and the animal.

Advances in veterinary medicine have resulted in significantly improved detection and

treatment of these diseases, but at a generally significant financial and emotional cost to the

owner. Why? Because current diagnostic modalities are aimed at diagnosing the problem

once it has started and lameness is detected. But PREVENTION and early detection are the

keys!



Below: “Laddie” has a lameness, but his owner is unsure of how to proceed with diagnostics to

determine where and what the problem is. Thermal imaging scan reveals bilateral heat

increase on the hindlimbs, which is then diagnosed with ultrasound as bilateral suspensory

ligament disease.

The Modalities

The major difference between traditional diagnostic modalities, such as ultrasound, and

thermal imaging, is that one is anatomic, while the other is physiologic. An anatomic diagnostic

modality will show a specific lesion or problem in an anatomic structure at a static moment in

time. A physiologic modality such as thermal imaging cannot show a specific anatomic lesion,

but does show a physiologic change in bloodflow that helps to localize a lesion and more

easily shows changes over time. Let’s examine the diagnostic modalities currently available,

and how they compare.

Above Left: On the left is a radiograph of a horse with a club foot. This is an “anatomic”

modality as radiographs show a specific anatomy and pathology.

Above Right: A thermal image of a horse’s front feet, showing a “physiologic” difference in the

circulatory patterns between the two.

Table 1 below illustrates the modality, what problems it detects, average cost in dollars, and

advantages and disadvantages of each.



Table 1

Modality Detection Cost Advantage Disadvantage

MRI Soft tissue and

bone $1200-$3000

Specific,

anatomic

Expensive, requires

anaesthesia

CT Soft tissue and

bone $1200-$3000

Specific,

anatomic

Expensive, requires

anaesthesia

Nuclear

scintigraphy

Bone and some

soft-tissue

structures

$500-$2000

Whole body,

sensitive,

physiologic

Not specific, will

require follow-up

diagnostics; usually

3 days in hospital,

invasive

Ultrasound Soft tissue,

some bone

$100-$300 per

region

Specific,

anatomic

Limited by region,

may require

sedation and

clipping

Radiographs

Bone, some soft

tissue (if swollen

or affected)

$100-$300 per

image or

region

Less expensive,

good quality now

with digital

radiographs

Limited by region,

may require

sedation, radiation

exposure

Thermography Bone and soft-

tissue

$100-$300 for

total body

scan, often

includes

veterinary

interpretation

Full body

evaluation, non-

invasive, early

detection of

problems BEFORE

clinical signs,

Physiologic

Correct

preparation is

necessary for a

good evaluation;

artifacts may alter

images, often

requires follow-up

diagnostics

Veterinarian’s

lameness

evaluation

General

$150 plus

regional

blocks

Considered the

standard “first

step”, important

general baseline

Often requires

follow-up

diagnostics, not

always sensitive or

specific

Based on the table above, we can see that thermal imaging stands out as one of only 2 whole

body modalities, and is by far the most cost-effective whole body imaging available.

Thermography is non-invasive, and is also the most effective “preventative” modality through

its ability to detect temperature changes indicative of early inflammation or circulatory

disruption. In fact, thermal imaging has repeatedly demonstrated signs of soft-tissue injury, such

as tendon or ligament damage, two weeks BEFORE any clinical signs of lameness, or heat or

swelling were detected10.

Thermal imaging should be considered as much a diagnostic tool, as it is a preventative

maintenance tool. As mentioned in the introduction, the human medical field has routinely

rejected thermography because of the need for, and ready availability of, specific imaging

modalities (MRI, CT, etc.). However, in the equine industry, general anaesthesia carries inherent

risks, and while most clients want the best for their horses, expense does play a role in the

diagnostic process. Equine insurance companies will often cover thermographic imaging,

which also makes it a more accessible tool to horse owners.

10 Brown, K. Ibid.



Above left: Image is a thermal scan showing increased heat over the sacroiliac/tuber sacrale

region of a horse (arrow).

Above right: Image is a nuclear scintigraphy image of the same region on a different patient

(from Langfordvets.co.uk).

Roles of Thermography

Thermal imaging is useful throughout the equine industry, but the tool finds its niche in a few

key areas: injury detection and prevention, pre-purchase evaluations, saddle-fitting, and

farriery. The injuries and diseases listed earlier produce inflammation or changes in bloodflow

that are directly related to radiant heat emitted from

the body surface. Likewise, a lack of circulation may

also be an indicator of disease, and muscle atrophy,

nerve damage, scar tissue, and circulatory disruption

may also be detected with thermal imaging.

Pre-purchase evaluations are often a veterinarian’s

nightmare. Making decisions about whether or not a

horse is suitable for purchase based on a general

physical examination, radiographs of specific joints,

and perhaps an endoscopy, misses a large

percentage of the patient – all the soft tissues and

regions that cannot be palpated or evaluated with

a traditional modality.

Professional reputations are at stake, and equine

malpractice insurance premiums are through the

roof as horse purchase prices soar. Utilizing a non-

invasive WHOLE BODY scan as part of a pre-purchase evaluation to determine whether there

are other “hidden” lesions present can make a significant impact on the buying and selling of

horses. Thermography has the potential to become a standard practice in the equine buying

and selling game due to its being non-invasive and generally inexpensive. The cost to benefit

ratio of the scan in a pre-purchase evaluation is one of its greatest attributes.

Saddles and equipment play a significant role in equine performance. Imagine running a

marathon in shoes two sizes too small – ouch! Now explain to a horse how he’s going to jump

a 6-foot-high brick wall in a saddle that vice-grips his shoulders! Many clients need the



objective image evidence of the inflammation that is caused by their ill-fitting tack to be

spurned into making positive changes, especially when the sales representative has “assured”

them of a correct fit. Rider balance also plays a significant and often under-discussed role in

equine performance. Thermal imaging can help to demonstrate the difference between the

influence of tack, and the influence of an imbalanced rider, on the horse beneath.

Left: Thermal image of a horse’s back during a saddle-

fitting seminar. The saddle put increased pressure over

the left side of the horse’s back, and impinged on the left

thoracic spine. Thermography is a useful saddle-fitting

tool, but should be combined with a certified saddle-

fitter for best results.

Farriers are also taking great notice of thermal imaging

capabilities. From evaluating hoof imbalances, to

diagnosing laminitis and abscesses, this tool can help to stage disease or locate problems.

Navicular syndrome and laminitis both have a huge financial impact on the equine industry,

and thermal imaging is playing a role in the research in both diseases.

Other thermal imaging niches include track and arena footing scans and the eliminating of

soring and other unethical practices (tail blocking, nerving, etc.). The FEI currently sanctions

thermal imaging as a tool to determine whether a horse is fit to compete, or if its legs have

been tampered with.

Success with thermal imaging

What are the most important factors for success with equine thermal imaging?

Standardization and correct interpretation are crucial to continued acceptance of thermal

imaging as a diagnostic modality. Thermal imaging failed in its inception in the equine industry

because of a lack of standardization and understanding of the technology and its correct use.

Thermal imaging was compared to radiographs and ultrasound, which could show specific

lesions; and was therefore discarded because of its lack of specificity. Now, with significantly

better technology, and recognition of the importance of standardization, thermal imaging is

taking its rightful place in equine diagnostics.

Standardization and correct patient preparation are imperative to both minimize artifacts, and

to maximize gain through blood flow and residual inflammation (or lack thereof). Artifacts such

as moisture and sweat, dirt, caustic substances, bandages and blankets, can and will

immediately negate the correct interpretation of a scan. Environmental control cannot be

over-emphasized as critical to a successful scan. Sunlight, radiant heat from metal roofs or

barn siding, fans and breezes, and the flooring of the barn (mats, dirt, concrete, etc.) can alter

images and destroy a scan. Having a clean and dry patient in an environment free of drafts,

direct sunlight, or moisture, are keys to the success of your imaging scan, and to the

repeatability and reliability that thermal imaging requires for continued acceptance in the

veterinary and equine industries.



Interpretation of the images is the other half of a successful imaging equation in a modality

dependent on symmetry. In keeping with state veterinary practice laws, thermal imaging

interpretation must be done by a licensed VETERINARIAN.

Even more important, in addition to a solid

understanding of patient anatomy, an

interpreting veterinarian must have an

understanding of thermal imaging technology to

correctly relate the images with possible

physiologic changes. Of all the injuries bulleted in

List A, thermal imaging is able to locate every one

through physiologic changes emitting heat or

altered circulation.

Though the images are not able to tell the

interpreter the specific nature of the lesion, the

sensitivity of the camera to detect temperature changes related to disease is key to its success.

Changes greater than 1-2 degrees F are considered significant11, but asymmetry and a

deviation from normal anatomic structures are major factors in image interpretation.

Conclusion

Thermal imaging is a diagnostic tool that is gaining more widespread interest and recognition

in the equine industry. Infrared camera technology has significantly improved, and

understanding the technology is leading to improved interpretation of thermal imaging in

biological systems. It is incorrect to tout thermal imaging as a replacement for traditional

diagnostics. Thermal imaging’s strength is that it can significantly enhance traditional

modalities through improved localization of injury and disease, and has an adjunctive role in

highlighting lesions otherwise missed with traditional imaging modalities.

Correct training is imperative. To learn more about adding equine thermal imaging to your

business, please visit www.equineir.com to view their training modules.

For more resources on thermography in the equine industry, please visit www.thehorse.com or

www.pubmed.com and search “equine thermography”.

11 Ibid

http://www.equineir.com/

http://www.thehorse.com/

http://www.pubmed.com/



Thermal Colour Packets

High Contrast Greyscale Greyscale Inverted

Blue Red Hot Metal Ironbow

Amber Amber Inverted



Nearside (Left) View



Offside (Right) View



Posterial (Back) View



Anterial (Front) View



Gallery

Nearside Forelimbs 100% Thermal

Image. C/w temperature spots.

Lower Forelimbs in ‘Picture in

Picture’ mode. Showing good

symmetry.

Base of Hoof. 100% Thermal

Image. C/w average/min & Max

temperature formation.

Hind Limbs & Stifles in 100%

Thermal Image. C/w Comparison

Temperature & Highest

Temperature. Good Symmetry.

Lower Forelimbs in 50/50

Thermal/Visible

Back Imaging in ‘Picture in

Picture’ mode. C/w Highest

Temperature spot.

Offside Neck/Head in ‘Picture in

Picture’ mode

Lower Forelimbs in 100% Thermal

Aspect before temperature

analysis. Showing irregular

thermal patterns.

Nearside Neck & Shoulders -

100% Thermal Image with Avg.

temperature formation. Showing

large area of heat.



Benefits

Q&A Hand Inspection Imaging Front

Imaging Hind Imaging Nearside Imaging Offside

Imaging Stifles Imaging Back Imaging Hoof

Imaging Head

Features

Non Invasive

Humane

Relaxing Without Stress

Minimal Contact

Own Environment

20/30 Mins Duration

Essentials: The Equine

Clean, Brushed

No Bandages or

covers

Tail Tied

Unexercised

Relaxed

Square/Balanced

Essentials: The Environment

Indoor Location:

without sunlight/rain

Dry, Clean & Clear

Even Floor Surface

Draught Free

Environment

Adequate Space: 5/6

Foot

Experienced Horse

Handler



Maximising Thermal Imaging Accuracy

The results achieved from a thermal imaging can be very accurate, and can report significant

differences between 0.1ºC.

In order to maximise the accuracy a number of conditions (artefacts) should be met prior and

during the survey.

The report may at some point be viewed by your vet who will have to assess artefacts influence

on the results. We try to minimise these, as much as possible, by insisting on the following:

Pre Survey Horse Preparation

Keep horse indoors for 1hr (Avoid all sunlight and windchill)

No exercise (1hr prior to survey)

Horse should be clean, dry and free of dirt (Legs/Hooves)

Pick Out Hooves

Remove all Rugs/Covers/Bandages & Leg Covers (1hr prior to survey)

Mane & Tail plaited and/or bandaged preferable

Avoid application of Creams or Liniments

It is preferable for horse to be evenly clipped, without long length areas.

Survey Conditions: Environment

Clean/Sweep required Indoor Location(free of bedding)

Dry and Even Floors are preferable

Indoor draught free stable/barn/shed where possible

Avoid where possible sunlight and windchill to area

No power is required for our Equipment.

During Survey

Experienced Horse handler required for

Pre Inspection Q & A (history of horse)

Handling and Positioning

Picking up Feet

During winter temperatures it is preferable to have had some exercise / during summer

temperatures it is preferable to image in early mornings/evenings

Imaging will not be conducted in temperatures above 29ºC (85ºF)

The survey is non-invasive and does not put the horse through any stress.

Each survey can take 20-30 mins dependant on the conditions/handler/temperament of the

horse.



Survey Summary



Analysis & Reports



Software Screenshot: All Images Grouping



Software Screenshot: Analysing Image by Image



Summary of Services

Diagnostic/Base Scan Visits

These visits are ideal for first time users of thermography on their horse. It will usually be

prompted by concerns over the horse in competition, or while active leisure riding. It will help

confirm problems exist, and where the problem is located. In some instances may highlight

unknown issues. As a full scan is conducted every time, this acts as a base scan for comparison

in future examinations.

Continuous Monitoring

These services are geared towards the discerning owner who appreciates the benefits of

preventative and predictive maintenance, and benefits it has on overall medical costs.

Annual Wellness Program (monthly/quarterly/bi-annual)

This service is ideal for the individual who wants to give their horse the best possible care, at all

times. The service can be split in to various periods to suit your concerns or care level.

In Competition Program (6 monthly visits)

This service is ideal for those who compete with their horse, and want to ensure their horse is in

the best condition to take part during the competition season, and have peace of mind that

injuries are not being sustained and ignored.

Rehabilitation Program (as required weekly/monthly)

An ideal service whose horse is under treatment or forced box rest, this service operates by

monitoring the progress of healing over the expected duration, and may sometimes facilitate

earlier return to activity.

Specialist Visits

Saddle Check and/or Rider Profiling

Thermography can tell you if the saddle you use is a correct fit, and may be a cause for poor

performance or behaviour, together with analysis of the rider in the saddle for correct posture

and riding position. This service can be added to the usual inspection, but will require the horse

to be ridden after the standard inspection.

Pre-Sale or Purchase Surveys

If you are selling or purchasing a horse, the reassurance that there are not underlying issues

the horse’s health. This service can benefit the seller in proving soundness to a potential buyer,

or give piece of mind to the buyer of the investment they may make.

Competition Monitoring at race/event

This service is geared to the competition horse and how it muscles and ligaments are coping

with the competition. It is carried out at the event, unlike all the other services, and aims to get

a before and after competition view of the horses physical condition.

Complimentary Visits (vet/farrier/saddlery/physio)

It may be beneficial to have thermographic imagery carried out before, during, or after the

professional services you already use. This may be requested by you or the practitioner as an

aid to their prognosis.



24 hour Emergency Call Out

Equine ownership can be a stressful occupation, and sometimes you just want to know, and

know NOW! This service may help you decide your next course of action, based on the pain

you think your horse is in, and at the time you want it done.

Full Thermographic Survey

Whatever the circumstances we generally conduct a full thermographic scan which involves

approx. 40 images covering all key areas of the horse’s anatomy. Each scan takes

approximately 20-30 mins.

All prices below take the above into account and include the following.

On site Imaging of Horse 40 images over 30mins

Full Colour Printed Report (within 7 days) (On site computer analysis is also available

see below.)

Online Screen View Explanation

Safe and Confidential File Storage

Online Portal (view your horses historical reports) available 2011

Note: All services below are based on one location.

All prices quoted are inclusive of travel within a 30 mile round trip of HU10 area. There after a

39p per mile will be added to quote.

Diagnostic Visits * payment on completion at site

Single Horse visit: £60

Twin Horse Visit: £50

3 – 5 horses: £45

5 – 10 horses: £40

10 – 20 horses: £35

20 – 30 horses: £30

30+ horses: £25

Continuous Monitoring *payment in advance of all program visits

Annual Wellness Program (monthly/quarterly/bi-annual): £30/£40/£50

In Competition Program (6 monthly visits): £35

Rehabilitation Program (as required weekly/monthly): £35/£40



Specialist Visits * payment on completion at site

Saddle Check and/or Rider Profiling add: £20

Pre-Sale or Purchase Surveys: £60

Competition Monitoring at race/event: £ 300 full day £175 half day

Complimentary Visits (vet/farrier/saddlery): £60

24 hour Emergency Call Out: £150

On Site Computer Analysis add - £25

Payment Terms: Cheque or Cash only

Hours of Availability: Mon - Fri 6am – 8pm |Sat - Sun 8am – 6pm

(Excluding emergency call out service)

Documents

Martin Collishaw - Equine Infrared · 2020. 5. 28. · Equine Infrared Sales Brochure 2014 3 Equine Science Update Thermography predicts injuries Thermography provides an excellent